Adopt a Monarch — and help solve an Idaho monarch mystery
For nearly 100 years, small paper tags have tracked the migration of monarch butterflies. This year we enter the new world of electronic tagging — and by adopting a monarch, you can be part of it. By David G. James.
Happenings in Washington — a dramatic California Tortoiseshell irruption in the Methow Valley near Winthrop. Cheryl Bellin and Jim Rauh have watched millions take flight. Photos & videos
Monthly Program Presentation
Electronic Tracking of Monarch Migration Takes Flight in the PNW
Dr. David James
Tune in for our Programs on the first Wednesday of each month, September through May.
Magnuson Park Butterfly Meadow Habitat Restoration Work Party,
Seattle, Washington
Bring Back the Butterflies: Join Us at Kingfisher Basin Meadow!
Our meadow is waiting for you, and so are the butterflies. Lend a hand this fall and help restore vital habitat for the pollinators that make our region bloom.
Next Events
Habitat Restoration Work Party, Saturday October 24th:
https://seattle.greencitypartnerships.org/event/45053
Seattle Forest Week Work Party, Monday, November 9th:
149
butterfly species recorded in Washington
39
counties, all with butterflies to find
Sept–May
monthly programs on Zoom, free to all
Featured Articles
Where & When to See Butterflies
Washington currently has approx. 149 butterfly species. No matter where you live in our state, butterflies may be found nearby. Ready to explore?
Butterfly Identification
Identifying butterflies can be very fun…and very frustrating. Here are very good resources to help us identify and learn more about them.
Butterfly Gardening
It’s hard to imagine a garden without butterflies. Most gardeners would be interested in ways to attract more butterflies. Here are some ideas.
Kaleidoscope
Check out our new “Fun Fact” T-shirt now available in our WBA Bonfire Store! This fun design showcases a colorful kaleidoscope featuring some of our favorite butterflies. Brighten any butterfly enthusiast’s day and support the Washington Butterfly Association in our efforts to advocate for native pollinators.
Join Our Kaleidoscope
We are dedicated to the enjoyment, conservation, and understanding of butterflies and their ecology through education and science.
*Fun Fact: A group of butterflies is called a kaleidoscope
From the blog
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Electronic Tracking of Monarch Migration Takes Flight in the PNW
Dr. David James Monthly Program presentation October 7, 2026 An exciting new project tracking the monarch migration in the PNW was launched by WingsRising and Washington State University on August 12 2026. Adopt-A-Monarch is a true community science project harnessing the power of monarch advocates from all walks of life to unlock the secrets of…
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PHOTO NIGHT – SHARE THE WEALTH
Monthly Program presentation September 2, 2026 Our WBA September Program meeting is coming up, and we’re hosting Photo Night! Bring 5–6 photos from this past field season to share with the group. Or just come to see some cool butterfly photos taken by our members and trip participants. We will have an expert on hand to…
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2026 Idie Ulsh Young Naturalist Scholarship – Ezra’s Report
By Ezra Matyas I have always been interested in insects. Attending the 2026 Washington Butterfly Association (WBA) Study Weekend in Goldendale helped me develop a greater interest in and knowledge of butterflies and moths. That weekend, I saw more varieties of butterflies in nature than I had ever noticed before. At every stop, we saw…